Changing landscapes, the implications of urbanisation, and the importance of changing mindsets towards Nature.
In the not-too-distant past, Deema was working as an architect in Amman, Jordan. As one of the fastest growing cities in the world, Deema watched her hometown become almost unrecognisable as urbanisation swept through its landscapes, forgoing much of its Nature and local biodiversity. 
As Jordan’s ongoing desertification continues to threaten its resources, Deema understood the cost of losing so much Nature. Taking matters into her own hands, she trained to become a forest maker and in 2018 she planted the first Miyawaki forest in the Arab world.
Focussing on preserving the genetic diversity of Jordan, Deema’s important work has protected some of the country’s most endangered tree species. Today, she is collaborating with SUGi on a new forest, Amman Sanctuary, which will feature a Miyawaki forest, alongside an experimental agro forestry space, a seed-bank and a nursery.
On this episode of SUGi Talks we meet Deema Assaf. Together we speak about Jordan’s changing landscapes, the implications of urbanisation, and the importance of changing mindsets towards Nature.